\u201cKeep on keepin\u2019 on\u201d is a phrase of perseverance \u2013 pushing through barriers, overcoming challenges and staying the course. Perhaps \u201cKeep On Keepin\u2019 On\u201d was the most apt title for a documentary to describe the path blind jazz pianist Justin Kauflin has carved out for himself in this world. <\/p>\n
Kauflin began his musical journey at age four. By six, he started performing in concert halls. He would become the concertmaster for several orchestras studying violin and piano for a decade. It was during this time, however, that Kauflin endured numerous trials with none as monumental as losing complete vision due to a rare eye disease. <\/p>\n
The classically trained musician adapted to the challenge by learning five grades of braille, cane mobility and \u2013 importantly \u2013 switching to jazz piano. He kept on the instrument despite his complete loss of vision, rising to the top ranks of jazz pianists and becoming one of the most in-demand jazz performers of the day. <\/p>\n
Along the way, Kauflin forged relationships, including a mentorship from iconic American trumpeter Clark Terry whose career in jazz spans more than 70 years and bridges today\u2019s jazz generation with greats like Charlie Barnet, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Quincy Jones. <\/p>\n
The mentorship of Terry and Kauflin was chronicled by the documentary \u201cKeep on Keepin\u2019 On\u201d by Academy Award winning producer Paula Dupree Pressman. <\/p>\n
Part of this year\u2019s Vail Jazz Party, the Vail Symposium and the Vail Jazz Foundation have partnered to present \u201cKeep On Keepin\u2019 On\u201d with Justin Kauflin in person on Friday, August 29 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Antlers at Vail. <\/p>\n
“Justin Kauflin\u2019s story is inspiring and the relationship that unfolds over the course of the documentary is incredible,” said Tracey Flower, the Symposium\u2019s Executive Director. “The story behind the music is fascinating.”<\/p>\n
In \u201cKeep On Keepin\u2019 On\u201d 23-year-old Kauflin finds his way to jazz legend and teacher Clark Terry, 89. Over the course of filming, Terry begins to lose his sight as an unlikely bond begins to take hold. When Justin is invited to compete in an elite international competition, Clark\u2019s health takes a turn for the worst. As clocks tick, viewers are suddenly witness to two friends tackling the toughest challenges of their interwoven lives.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"